Mr. Lucas's Philosphy

Realism

Though neither the United States or Japan were officially involved in World War II at the time, Japan preemptively struck the United States.

December 7, 1941, the date which will live in infamy. Though the United States and Japan were competing in a shadow war of sorts, Japan, after watching allies Germany and Italy bring the world into war, thought it better to strike the United States before allowing an opportunity for diplomacy. The United States, with the help of its European allies, administered trade embargo upon Japan, halting Japan's ability to import gas, steel, and other important military resources. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a direct response to the embargo. Could this have been prevented? According the Realists: no. War is inevitable, it is just a matter of who is going to strike first.

American drone strikes on ISIS in Syria and Iraq

Though never directly attacked by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the United States has been conducting air strikes against ISIS affiliated terrorists for the past 6 months. Claiming immediate national security concerns, President Obama has asked for an expansion of power in order to bring the fight to the terrorists.

As the years go by, Star Wars aficionados continue to debate the preemptive strike that took place in Star Wars Episode 4. Hans Solo, owing Jabba the Hut money, is being followed by those looking to collect a bounty. One question continues to arise: who shot first. For a realist, it doesn't matter. What matters is that, eventually, someone will begin shooting.

Idealism

Key Points

Internationalism and humanitarianism

Maintenance of world peace

Use of international organizations (collective security)

Public diplomacy (multilateralism)

International cooperation (international community)

Following World War I, world leaders wanted to find a better way for diplomacy. Then President of the United States Woodrow Wilson tried to convince American lawmakers to join the organization. American Senators, worried that an alliance system would force America into unwanted wars, refused to agree to the treaty. The League of Nations eventually crumbled as the world descended into World War II

A map of NATO countries and their No Fly Zone placed on Libya during Qaddafi's fall.

When rebels from Libya tried to continue the Arab Spring in their country, Military Dictator Muammar Qaddafi began brutally crushing his opposition. After years of sanctions and international diplomacy, NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, agreed to help the rebels overthrow the dictator. NATO had provided various avenues and chances for Qaddafi to reform, but it was to no avail.

Jedi Council

In order to try to thwart an intergalactic war, the Jedi Council allowed for leaders to come together to try to stop evil doers. When all peaceful avenues are tried, the Jedi Council can summon soldiers to defend their sovereignty or destroy evil.